Level 3 Advanced Tech in Applied Science

This vocational programme for post 16 learners combines vocational and project based learning activities in the area of Applied Science. This programme uses the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Suite of qualifications in Applied Science as the foundation for the vocational knowledge. Whilst at the same time building science skills and transversal skills through PBL, industrial projects, competitions and work placements. The aim of the course will be to progress to higher education and employment opportunities in the Science Sector.

2024/25

10951

Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn

Full-Time

Further Education

Bio Sciences

Course Overview

This Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels and has been designed as a full two-year programme.

In the first year of the programme you will complete a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science (1.5 A-Level equivalent) and will have the opportunity to exit at this stage.

You will also have the opportunity to engage with Placements, industrial projects and competitions in the Applied Science sector.

On the successful completion of Year 1 those progressing to year two will top-up to the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science.

Again you will have access to these enrichment activities in your second year of study.

The course will give you a wide range of knowledge and opportunity to gain skills essential to progress within the science sector, both scientific and transversal skills.

There is an attendance commitment requirement of 19 hours per week.

Year 1 Mandatory Core Units (plus two optional units):

• Unit 1 Principles and Applications of Science

• Unit 2 Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

• Unit 3 Scientific Investigation skills

• Unit 4 Laboratory Techniques and their applications

Year 2 Mandatory Core Units (plus two optional units):

• Unit 5: Principles and Applications of Science II

• Unit 6: Investigative Project

• Unit 7: Contemporary Issues in Science

Optional Units include:

• Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems

• Unit 9: Human Regulation and Reproduction

• Unit 10: Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways

• Unit 11: Genetics and Genetic Engineering

• Unit 17: Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques

• Unit 18: Industrial Chemical Reactions

*The optional units for this course may vary from year to year.

If you want to go onto study Science or a related subject at a higher level.

It may also meet the requirements for entry level job within the sector and a higher level apprenticeship in Science.

Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques, Principles and Applications of Science, Scientific Investigation skills and Laboratory Techniques and their applications.

The significant practical elements of this course - which will be further enhanced through the Advanced Tech pathway.

You will be encouraged to carry out individual/group project work and may have the opportunity to enter International competitions.

The department has had great success with these competitions over the last number of years and they provide a great opportunity to develop in depth Scientific knowledge and skills whilst developing transversal skills such as communication, team work, innovation and problem solving.

Learners who have successfully completed this qualification in two years may progress to level 4/5 courses such as HNC/HND/Foundation Degree in a science subject.

You may also be able to progress to degrees in related Science subjects which may include Biology, Human Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Food Nutrition.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science/Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science qualifications carry UCAS points and are recognised by higher education providers as meeting, or contributing to, admission requirements for many relevant Science courses.

Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with the specific higher education providers.

A minimum of 4 Cs/4 at GCSE level to include:

English OR Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy, OR equivalent.
Maths OR Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy, OR equivalent and
A Single Science (Biology/Chemistry) or Single Award Science (minimum B/5)

*Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award in Principles of Applied Science and Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award in Applications of Applied Science, with at least one of Award at Merit level or above

*If you do not have GCSE (Grade C/4 or above) in English Language/ Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy or GCSE (Grade C/4 or above) in Mathematics/ Maths OR Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy qualification, you will be required to enrol in a course concurrently with this course.

It should be noted that we strongly recommend that if you do not hold a GCSE in Maths that you enrol in a course concurrently with this course as many Universities require GCSE Maths as an entry requirement for Science degrees.

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Nathan Luke Grey

Applied Tech - Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science

The class experiments are the best part of this course, we have grown our own bacteria and made bottle rockets, which has improved my teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Cassie Caldwell

Advanced Tech - Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science

One of my favourite parts of the course has been the microbiology element. The facilities and the tutors are great and last year I had the opportunity to go to Italy on a study placement through the Turing Scheme.

Available Sessions

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

Customer Enquiries

Need more information or have a question about this course? Send us a message below and we will get in touch.

Start New Enquiry

Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

Explore Further Education